To the Checkout Assistant Who Left Me Absolutely Without Words – Kudos to You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I was in a foul mood, refueling my mum’s car. This was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a supermarket, so you run the risk of waiting behind shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. Just one person serving, a young woman. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had at last settled for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier tell him to have a great day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I wondered if she might actually be a comrade in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for those who delay simple fuel-buyers such as myself.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The new leader of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here says to others such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter US citizens frequenting this area, and definitely not working in petrol stations or other places.
I was second now. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a right old battle with her shopping cart, her food items, her purse and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. After she finished, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke at the cashier, to observe that reaction when they look at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to utter.
I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as the same thing – while she stared directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and bid me to have a great day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.
